PROVINCE ANNOUNCES UPGRADES TO MORE WINNIPEG COMMUNITY FACILITIES

The Manitoba government is continuing to invest in improvements for public and not-for-profit community facilities including rehabilitating, upgrading and expanding many of Winnipeg’s popular recreation options and creating more green spaces for local families, Children and Youth Opportunities Minister Kevin Chief, minister responsible for the City of Winnipeg, announced today.

As part of the more than $500,000 announced today, the province is supporting the Sikh Society of Manitoba to enhance their existing playground with a safe modern play structure. Funding for the project will replace the old existing wooden structure with a safe and accessible play structure. Construction is expected to begin this fall, the minister said.

“For many years the Sikh society has been a gathering area for both young and old. We want to help that tradition continue with this new play structure,” said Minister Chief. “These types of investments help bring communities together and develop a sense of belonging as children and families have more opportunities to enjoy time together.”

“It’s very important for children to have a safe place to play,” said Harbans Brar, president, Sikh Society of Manitoba. “The new playground will give them a fun place to play, learn and interact in an outdoor environment.”

Other organizations in northwest Winnipeg that are receiving funding include the Seven Oaks Village Housing Co-op, Ten Ten Sinclair, École Stanley Knowles playground, Gurdwara Kalgidhar Darbar, St. Josephs Ukrainian Catholic Church, West Kildonan Community Centre, Norquay Community Centre, Hungarian Canadian Cultural Society and the North End Wellness Centre.

The second application intake for the Winnipeg Community Infrastructure Program began on April 14, making grants available for projects that will provide long-term recreational and wellness benefits to communities, Minister Chief said. Projects involve rehabilitation, improvement or expansion of existing community assets such as athletic facilities, community centres, parks and cultural facilities. The application intake has closed and more projects will be announced soon, the minister added.

The minister noted, since the $7.5‑million, three-year program launched last year, the province has committed nearly $6.5 million toward more than 140 projects to upgrade community centres, parks, trails, bike paths, arenas and gyms in Winnipeg.